The Importance of Being On-Trend

Jessica DeGraaf

We all have that one friend that always looks like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine; perfectly coiffed and ready to take on the world. They have an iconic sense of style that simply screams confidence and fashion know-how. Me? I consider myself lucky if I leave the house wearing matching clothes and without dried cereal stuck to my shirt courtesy of my 2-year-old son!

We live in a visually obsessed world and are continually looking to others for inspiration and affirmation. I recently read an article on how fashion trends shape many industries and new product development. I loved this quote from the article: “Never let a trend get in the way of creating a great outfit for yourself.”

Those of us involved in the garden center industry need to know what the latest trends and design aesthetics are because our customers are looking for ways to bring them in their everyday lives. This is why Pinterest has gone from a simple social media platform to the world’s catalog for new ideas. Gone are the days of pouring over the newest issues of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar to find the latest color and fashion trends. A Pinterest search yields thousands of related pins that feature the hot colors in fashion, interior design, architecture and much more. And guess what? These concepts and ideas are also applicable to our industry and we need to pick one or two trends to bring into our garden centers this spring.

Want to know what your displays and DIY workshops should look like for 2017? Spend a few hours on Pinterest and task your staff members to do the same. And watch what’s going on not just in Europe in terms of trends and colors, but look to our friends down under, too. Some of the most interesting ideas involving plants are coming from Australia.

If you’re thinking, “I’m not a designer. This doesn’t apply to my garden center,” then think twice. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Retail is all about creating an inviting setting your customer can see themselves enjoying in their own home. Use Pinterest to find trends to help you create displays and concepts that stop customers walking through on their way to your floral department. Put your own spin on these to make them fit your look and feel. Then promote the fact that you can help your customers to re-create this at their own homes with signage and small handouts.

Here are some inexpensive ideas I recently saw for spring:

Green is the New Black: Dark green accent walls and throws are big. Create a dark green backdrop and incorporate tropicals and houseplants into the display for a verdant assault on the senses.

Granny Florals: Remember your grandma’s old plastic-covered couch? Get it out and dust off the cushions because it would be a cool accent for your environmental setting. Bring in some bright annual containers and play off the funky, fun theme.

Macramé Isn’t Just for Mom: We’ve seen a huge rise in the use of houseplants and the macramé hanger is back with a vengeance. Consider hosting a workshop on how to make these hangers, too!

Mixed Materials: The fusion of vintage and repurposed items, mixed with more modern containers remains popular.

Sophisticated Foliage: The succulent trend has brought new and younger customers to your store, as have the fiddle leaf fig and other houseplants. This popularity will continue and designers are saying that Mediterranean olive trees will be the next big thing.

Be the muse for your customers and have some fun this spring! GP

Jessica DeGraaf is the Retail Accounts Manager at Proven Winners. She can be reached at jessica@provenwinners.com.